How to fight unemployment denial - Washington ESD appeal process help needed

Thank you! Do I need to keep filing weekly claims while the appeal is processing?

Yes, absolutely keep filing your weekly claims even during the appeal. If you win the appeal, you'll get backpay for those weeks. If you don't file, you won't get paid for those weeks even if you win.

That gives me hope! What kind of evidence did you submit with your appeal?

I submitted my termination letter, emails from HR about the layoffs, and a statement from my supervisor. The key was proving the company's version of events was wrong.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already stressed about money.

It's worth checking out their site for details. For me it was much less stressful than the endless calling and getting disconnected. Plus I actually got answers about my appeal timeline.

I've never heard of paying someone to make calls for you. Seems sketchy to me.

Do I need a lawyer for the hearing or can I represent myself?

You can represent yourself. Most people do. Just be honest, stick to the facts, and have your documentation ready. The judges are used to dealing with regular people, not just lawyers.

Did you appeal it? I'm hoping this isn't a lost cause.

Yeah I'm in the middle of appealing right now. It's been 3 weeks since I filed the appeal and haven't heard anything yet. The waiting is killing me.

The code says 'discharged for misconduct connected with work' but I wasn't fired for doing anything wrong.

Then your appeal should focus on proving the termination was due to business reasons (layoff, position elimination) not your conduct. Get documentation from your employer if possible.

OK I'm curious about this now. Is it legit? Like do they actually get you to real Washington ESD people?

Yeah they connect you to the same agents you'd talk to if you called yourself. They just handle the waiting and getting through the phone system for you.

Great job getting it filed quickly! Make copies of everything you submit and keep detailed records of all communications.

You've got this! The fact that you know it was really a layoff and have documentation puts you in a strong position.

12 weeks?? How did you survive financially during that time?

It was rough honestly. Had to borrow money from family and pick up some gig work. But when I won I got a big lump sum payment for all the weeks I was waiting.

Good to know! I'll definitely test everything once I get my hearing notice.

Yes, always test the tech stuff ahead of time. And have a backup phone number ready just in case.

Yes you can usually submit additional documents up until a few days before the hearing. Check with the appeals office for their specific deadline.

That's helpful because I'm still trying to get a letter from my old supervisor confirming the layoffs.

Thank you for the encouragement! Some days I wonder if it's worth the hassle but I really need those benefits.

It's absolutely worth it. You paid into the system and you deserve benefits if you're eligible. Don't let them intimidate you out of what's rightfully yours.

I might try that if I need to call them about my appeal. The regular phone system is impossible.

I still think it's weird to pay someone to make phone calls but if it works I guess...

I didn't know there were multiple levels! So if I lose the first appeal I can try again?

Yes, if you lose at the first level you can appeal to the Board of Appeals. But hopefully you'll win at the first level and won't need to worry about that.

Wow $4800! That definitely makes the hassle worth it. Gives me motivation to stick with this.

yeah dont let them steal your benefits. i had all my paperwork ready and the hearing was only 15 minutes

That's exactly what it feels like! Like they're hoping I'll just give up and go away.

While the system has problems, many appeals are successful when people have good documentation. Don't let frustration stop you from fighting a legitimate claim.

Thank you! I'll definitely update once I hear back about my hearing date. This thread has been incredibly helpful.

Great advice! I tend to talk fast when I'm nervous so I'll definitely keep that in mind.

Yes, and pause between main points. The judges appreciate when people are organized and easy to follow.

Excellent! You're going to do great. Remember to stay calm and stick to the facts during your hearing.

Rooting for you! Sounds like you have everything you need to win this appeal.

Can't wait to hear your success story! You've got this!